Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Three Beauties
Daughter Patricia in her new warm vest. |
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Morning After
Nope, I didn't get one of these for Christmas, but it is a good idea for next year. I did get a lovely new pale lavender sweater from my granddaughter Erin along with a new puzzle book I can carry in my purse and use if I have to wait anywhere and am bored. John and Jo gave me a new puzzle table top that turns along with three new puzzles that are monsters. They are the new mystery ones which you have to complete to solve the mystery so the picture on the box top is of no use if you are looking for clues. Don't be shy, come visit, I'll let you help. I am sporting a new foot bath and special soap from daughter Patricia along with my Halston which is becoming very hard to find. Erin added some Nantucket Brier which makes the skin feel like satin. Guess what Maggie gave me, yeah another puzzle, a Kincaid which looks like it will keep me busy for a long spell. The lovely scarf is soft and white so will go with anything. I have several new and lovely gifts from daughter Christine . . . a picture with a dandy lion, you know the early start where you sing, he loves me, he loves me not . . . we used to call it the fortune telling flower. The acorn and leaf candle holder is beautiful; the jar of special chocolate sauce is going to come in handy to top some ice cream scoops. The apron is beautiful and I wore it all day to keep my new sweater from getting stained as I was the turkey cook this year. Son John will be busy putting up that wonderful cast iron stand for the porch so I can hang a basket of flowers out there. Come see when you get a chance. Jock sent a package of Harry and David Pears that were the best I have ever eaten. They were huge, and so delicious. Everyone loved their gifts and had a lot of laughs. I was so busy opening my gifts I didn't pay attention to everything every one else got but I can tell you they were all very pleased and happy. Dinner turned out to be a feast and the turkey was moist and tender; the assorted vegie dishes were just perfect and even the gravy had no lumps. We watched George C. Scott play Scrooge and it was, as usual, it was wonderful even though we all had a slight snooze through it.
I hope you find your mind filled with memories that will carry you through a whole year until we get to celebrate Christ's birthday next year. I was so lucky to get a phone call from Bob and Andrea who were back home to celebrate Christmas as they had been on the road traveling to visit their grandchildren and friends. Judy called from Colorado and bragged about her sunshine although she was hoping for snow. Some folks got a lot of it so son, Michael, couldn't get over the Sierras where they got five feet of snow and one hundred an hour mile winds . We missed him. But...we talked with him. Hopefully your Christmas was wonderful. . . just like YOU . . . and the few pounds we gained will disappear once you join me in an early January First Lent. . . yeah, make it early this year and give up stuffing and puffing and start working towards a summer bikini size and shape . . . 'we wish'!
My heartfelt thanks goes to my wonderful children who put so much love and effort into making Christmas sparkle like the lights burning brightly on the Christmas trees. They all made angels of the year, as did friends who sent cards and called and made my Christmas so merry and bright. So I leave you with a hug and a smile and a heart full of love for each and every one of you. Now go . . . get ready for the New Year and let us all work towards making it a good one filled with sharing and caring. Hugs to all.
Nope, I didn't get one of these for Christmas, but it is a good idea for next year. I did get a lovely new pale lavender sweater from my granddaughter Erin along with a new puzzle book I can carry in my purse and use if I have to wait anywhere and am bored. John and Jo gave me a new puzzle table top that turns along with three new puzzles that are monsters. They are the new mystery ones which you have to complete to solve the mystery so the picture on the box top is of no use if you are looking for clues. Don't be shy, come visit, I'll let you help. I am sporting a new foot bath and special soap from daughter Patricia along with my Halston which is becoming very hard to find. Erin added some Nantucket Brier which makes the skin feel like satin. Guess what Maggie gave me, yeah another puzzle, a Kincaid which looks like it will keep me busy for a long spell. The lovely scarf is soft and white so will go with anything. I have several new and lovely gifts from daughter Christine . . . a picture with a dandy lion, you know the early start where you sing, he loves me, he loves me not . . . we used to call it the fortune telling flower. The acorn and leaf candle holder is beautiful; the jar of special chocolate sauce is going to come in handy to top some ice cream scoops. The apron is beautiful and I wore it all day to keep my new sweater from getting stained as I was the turkey cook this year. Son John will be busy putting up that wonderful cast iron stand for the porch so I can hang a basket of flowers out there. Come see when you get a chance. Jock sent a package of Harry and David Pears that were the best I have ever eaten. They were huge, and so delicious. Everyone loved their gifts and had a lot of laughs. I was so busy opening my gifts I didn't pay attention to everything every one else got but I can tell you they were all very pleased and happy. Dinner turned out to be a feast and the turkey was moist and tender; the assorted vegie dishes were just perfect and even the gravy had no lumps. We watched George C. Scott play Scrooge and it was, as usual, it was wonderful even though we all had a slight snooze through it.
I hope you find your mind filled with memories that will carry you through a whole year until we get to celebrate Christ's birthday next year. I was so lucky to get a phone call from Bob and Andrea who were back home to celebrate Christmas as they had been on the road traveling to visit their grandchildren and friends. Judy called from Colorado and bragged about her sunshine although she was hoping for snow. Some folks got a lot of it so son, Michael, couldn't get over the Sierras where they got five feet of snow and one hundred an hour mile winds . We missed him. But...we talked with him. Hopefully your Christmas was wonderful. . . just like YOU . . . and the few pounds we gained will disappear once you join me in an early January First Lent. . . yeah, make it early this year and give up stuffing and puffing and start working towards a summer bikini size and shape . . . 'we wish'!
My heartfelt thanks goes to my wonderful children who put so much love and effort into making Christmas sparkle like the lights burning brightly on the Christmas trees. They all made angels of the year, as did friends who sent cards and called and made my Christmas so merry and bright. So I leave you with a hug and a smile and a heart full of love for each and every one of you. Now go . . . get ready for the New Year and let us all work towards making it a good one filled with sharing and caring. Hugs to all.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
MERRY CHRISTMAS !
It is four o'clock on Christmas morning and we are all awake waiting patiently for Patricia and Erin to join us. The coffee is on and I am sure everyone will be wanting to have a special breakfast but not before they open those packages under the tree. I hope that each of you are healthy and happy and ready for the best Christmas day ever. Check your attitude; count your blessings; put a smile in your eyes and walk into as many hugs as you can today and everyday.
Are you ready . . . clear your throat and let loose . . . "I wish you a Merry Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" . . . Felt pretty good didn't it? I'm smiling. . . hope you are. . . Go!!! Make your day the best one yet. Hugs to all.
Are you ready . . . clear your throat and let loose . . . "I wish you a Merry Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" . . . Felt pretty good didn't it? I'm smiling. . . hope you are. . . Go!!! Make your day the best one yet. Hugs to all.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas Eve
Looks like cones on the tree. Just pretty to look at and enjoy. |
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Musing About Christmas
Good Morning. It is Sunday morning. I thought yesterday was Sunday but it turned out to be a very stormy Saturday, all day. A good thing as there was a turkey to buy and I had quite a shock at the forty to fifty dollar price tags on the turkeys. I didn't pay attention to the ads this year and should have and could have saved myself some money if I had done so. I should have made a list, checked it more than twice, and bought everything I needed for baking and turkey shopping all at the same time as it would have added up and the price of the turkey would have gone down. But, I didn't. All I can tell you is that the big stores should have given some thought to the folks who have not been able to find a job. It seems to me they could help by being 'fair' . . . ah, that lovely word that has so little meaning to so many. Well there is nothing I can do about it now but thaw that twenty pound bird and bake it Christmas morning. I just found out I don't have a pan big enough for it so back I go to the rich man's paradise and see what the price tag is on one of those aluminum ones. I wouldn't dare look at a roasting pan.
Okay, enough grousing. I have blessings to count and three of them have arrived so far. Granddaughter Erin arrived bringing sunshine and smiles along with her. We had a delicious dinner cooked by daughters Pat and Christine; chicken enchiladas that were delicious and a salad that was beautiful to look at as well as very tasty. Christine makes a mean vinaigrette. There was no room for desert although there was razzle dazzle pie with vanilla ice cream, or several different cookies and cakes around. I brought home the tin of homemade peanut brittle thinking no one else liked it but me....well that isn't true I find. . . as several sets of fingers got to the candy before I did. I wonder if it is being greedy to hide it. We had a fire in the fireplace and a wonderful fun movie to watch and going out in the storm and cold was not something we really wanted to do but someone has to thaw that big old bird.
The Christmas lights look so lovely on the homes. Some have the icicle lights that drape and shine, others have decorated trees outside as well as in and they are truly beautiful. I love the little animals and the candy canes that are all lit up and shining bright. It makes Christmas glow even though there are so many reasons for folks to feel low. My friends sent pictures of the Christmas lights as they were traveling around Arizona but must have used a different style camera as they would not come up. I wanted to show them off as they are so beautiful and would have lit up the blog in Christmas lights.
We are a resilient people and we do make the best of things. We don't always succeed in having life go as we want it to, but we do have the knack of making do with what we have and making our lives worthwhile. We are not afraid to face our problems at home or in our communities; we are strong, even in our weakest moments, and we pull up our boot straps and get on with living. The birth of Christ is a good reason to celebrate and we do it so well and in such style. I'm proud of us.
So take one second at a time; remember the steps to happiness . . . caring; sharing; a smile within the eyes; sharing hugs and look for a bit of mistletoe . . . as a kiss is just a kiss but oh how much we need one. . . pucker up and share one or two and get ready to make someone you love glow like the Christmas lights.
Oh and sing loud . . . "we wish you a Merry Christmas . . . we wish you a Merry Christmas . . . and I am singing so you can hear me. Hugs to all.
Okay, enough grousing. I have blessings to count and three of them have arrived so far. Granddaughter Erin arrived bringing sunshine and smiles along with her. We had a delicious dinner cooked by daughters Pat and Christine; chicken enchiladas that were delicious and a salad that was beautiful to look at as well as very tasty. Christine makes a mean vinaigrette. There was no room for desert although there was razzle dazzle pie with vanilla ice cream, or several different cookies and cakes around. I brought home the tin of homemade peanut brittle thinking no one else liked it but me....well that isn't true I find. . . as several sets of fingers got to the candy before I did. I wonder if it is being greedy to hide it. We had a fire in the fireplace and a wonderful fun movie to watch and going out in the storm and cold was not something we really wanted to do but someone has to thaw that big old bird.
The Christmas lights look so lovely on the homes. Some have the icicle lights that drape and shine, others have decorated trees outside as well as in and they are truly beautiful. I love the little animals and the candy canes that are all lit up and shining bright. It makes Christmas glow even though there are so many reasons for folks to feel low. My friends sent pictures of the Christmas lights as they were traveling around Arizona but must have used a different style camera as they would not come up. I wanted to show them off as they are so beautiful and would have lit up the blog in Christmas lights.
We are a resilient people and we do make the best of things. We don't always succeed in having life go as we want it to, but we do have the knack of making do with what we have and making our lives worthwhile. We are not afraid to face our problems at home or in our communities; we are strong, even in our weakest moments, and we pull up our boot straps and get on with living. The birth of Christ is a good reason to celebrate and we do it so well and in such style. I'm proud of us.
So take one second at a time; remember the steps to happiness . . . caring; sharing; a smile within the eyes; sharing hugs and look for a bit of mistletoe . . . as a kiss is just a kiss but oh how much we need one. . . pucker up and share one or two and get ready to make someone you love glow like the Christmas lights.
Oh and sing loud . . . "we wish you a Merry Christmas . . . we wish you a Merry Christmas . . . and I am singing so you can hear me. Hugs to all.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Busy Days
A lovely picture of 'olden days', like a Thomas Kincaid painting. I wonder who painted the picture and what he or she was thinking about time. The dress on the lady says 1800's; the car says 1940's . . . but whatever he or she had in mind they did want to say Merry Christmas, and so do I.
It is Saturday morning, and today I have to go and choose a big fat turkey and a few of the trimmings I am responsible for.our Christmas feast. I had to laugh as I have been saying I should pick the turkey up by Tuesday....well, I had better as Tuesday is Christmas Day...where the time has flown this past few weeks is a mystery. It has been 'so delightful' and the weather outside has been 'frightful' as we had another six inches of rain this past week. The joy of sharing time with my children is simply wonderful. We have had some delicious meals to share and I have been introduced to some very different and delicious Christmas cookies that Christine and Patricia have come up with. John has been busy putting up a flat screen television and I have been getting daily lessons on how to turn it on . . . now how to change the channels and I'll be fine, maybe, I hope . . . I need ABC written instructions to go from one area to another. This TV has a radio station with music geared to my era . This TV has so many different places I will need a guide, but then, come to think of it, Pat has a flat screen TV just like it and she can come and rescue me. Now when they make a modem for octogenarians, I will be the first to buy one. . . push one for getting into the television; push two for news; three for a movie; four for favorite programs and five to get out. . . I could do that with ease. My only complaint is that the ads are more colorful and more plentiful. What ever happened to the idea of having television and choices when you pay a king's ransom to own one and are suppose to have been given choices as to what you wanted to pay for. I didn't have ads in mind. But I cannot kick about such a gift; it is beautiful and it is going to be enjoyed for at least a few years before the experts come up with a new style. Wonder what is next?
So today is Saturday and you most likely have Monday off so your holiday is going to be long, peaceful, busy, frantic and fun . . . that's as it should be. Go . . . enjoy . . . make this Christmas as merry as you can for you and your family members. Make your seconds count, once gone, they can never be retrieved. Good thoughts, good deeds, grouse a little, hum a lot and make your holiday one for the memory banks. Hugs to all.
It is Saturday morning, and today I have to go and choose a big fat turkey and a few of the trimmings I am responsible for.our Christmas feast. I had to laugh as I have been saying I should pick the turkey up by Tuesday....well, I had better as Tuesday is Christmas Day...where the time has flown this past few weeks is a mystery. It has been 'so delightful' and the weather outside has been 'frightful' as we had another six inches of rain this past week. The joy of sharing time with my children is simply wonderful. We have had some delicious meals to share and I have been introduced to some very different and delicious Christmas cookies that Christine and Patricia have come up with. John has been busy putting up a flat screen television and I have been getting daily lessons on how to turn it on . . . now how to change the channels and I'll be fine, maybe, I hope . . . I need ABC written instructions to go from one area to another. This TV has a radio station with music geared to my era . This TV has so many different places I will need a guide, but then, come to think of it, Pat has a flat screen TV just like it and she can come and rescue me. Now when they make a modem for octogenarians, I will be the first to buy one. . . push one for getting into the television; push two for news; three for a movie; four for favorite programs and five to get out. . . I could do that with ease. My only complaint is that the ads are more colorful and more plentiful. What ever happened to the idea of having television and choices when you pay a king's ransom to own one and are suppose to have been given choices as to what you wanted to pay for. I didn't have ads in mind. But I cannot kick about such a gift; it is beautiful and it is going to be enjoyed for at least a few years before the experts come up with a new style. Wonder what is next?
So today is Saturday and you most likely have Monday off so your holiday is going to be long, peaceful, busy, frantic and fun . . . that's as it should be. Go . . . enjoy . . . make this Christmas as merry as you can for you and your family members. Make your seconds count, once gone, they can never be retrieved. Good thoughts, good deeds, grouse a little, hum a lot and make your holiday one for the memory banks. Hugs to all.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Oh, Oh!
What could happen to the body if the pants remain at half mast. The walking will become a shuffle way before its time. |
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Sigh . . .
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Cats and Dogs
You have heard it many times. . . 'he or she, looks just like you' . . . genes tell every time. They really are cute! |
How clever...does look like the Donald. I bet he would put this one up on his wall. That man has the wildest hair, a big ego and a lot of words. |
Well if you have dreams, why not big ones? This little guy sure has big ideas. |
I like the expression on this one....sort of wonders how he got there. Those waxed floors can do it to anyone of us so be careful or you might wind up with the same expression. |
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Designs of Life
How would you like to spend five to nine hours a day creating magnificent geometric patterns in the snow? |
Simon Beck of Savoie, France spends his days plodding through snow in raquettes (snow shoes) making snow art as he exercises his legs. |
You have to agree he makes some sensational patterns in the snow. Snow art at its best. |
So today, know you have a week to finish up with your shopping, wrapping, and cards. Time is fleeting faster than you think. The entire holiday season has been wrapped up in pain for our entire nation. Each of us has a heavy heart for the horrible even that just took place in Connecticut. I do not know about you, but I resent the news people for taking over and making a twenty-four hour a day grand stand on each and every person, place or thing; from phyciatrists, to children, to suffering parents, to keep each of us informed by their guess work. A very sick young man took the lives of twenty-eight people and there isn't one of us that doesn't hurt because of it. We don't need instant reminders; our minds are filled with the sights we saw and the words we heard right after it happened. Each of us has to cope in our own way. Life goes on in spite of the misery surrounding us and although we are not going to kick up our heels and go around merry and bright, we are going to celebrate Christmas with those we love as best we can. Go light a candle for each and every one. Yesterday we lost a family member who had succumbed to a loss of her quality of life. She suffered months of pure hell and yesterday she was rushed to emergency and died. We loved her, we will miss her but knowing her suffering and pain are over brings a feeling of peace for her and for her family. She lived a good life, was a good mother, teacher, and friend to all she came in contact with. It is our loss but her gain as she walks along the pathway to the Gates of Heaven. Maybe she was needed to help those little souls walk along the way. I'd like to think so. Hugs to all.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Quips
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Getting Older
My friend Marge sent me an attachment with a lot of stars and it showed how they have added a few years. It was interesting to see the difference in their faces and how beautiful and handsome they still are . . . and best of all they still have talent and are still going strong. There were to many to put them all on but these were a few favorites.
Age . . . we all celebrate a new birthday every year and we all see a changing face in the mirror every morning. Some of us age gracefully, some kicking and screaming about the first gray hair or the first wrinkle and some pay no attention whatsoever and enjoy life one day at a time.
Age . . . it really isn't the change in looks that is important; after all that goes with the genes you were born with. It is the attitude you decide on as you age that is what really counts. A positive attitude brings out the beauty within while the negative attitude brings out a mirror image of discontent.
Age . . . body wise you are what you eat . . . what you do for exercise . . . and only you can adopt the attitude of creating a healthy body and mind. It is not easy as temptation waits at the refrigerator door or the pantry closet where the 'good' things reside. You have to remember you cannot bring home all of your favorite sugar treats and expect to hide them as you are the one who knows where all those places are and soon discover even frozen brownies are delicious.
Age . . . how lucky we are . . . we are able to 'age' . . . and we take our seconds seriously and we take good care of ourselves so that we do 'age to perfection' . . . so today, look in the mirror and if you see a beautiful smiling face it will be difficult to see a gray hair or a wrinkle . . . but, if you do, remember you earned every one of them. Remember to love yourself warts and all so you can love those who surround you. Hugs to all.
Age . . . we all celebrate a new birthday every year and we all see a changing face in the mirror every morning. Some of us age gracefully, some kicking and screaming about the first gray hair or the first wrinkle and some pay no attention whatsoever and enjoy life one day at a time.
Age . . . it really isn't the change in looks that is important; after all that goes with the genes you were born with. It is the attitude you decide on as you age that is what really counts. A positive attitude brings out the beauty within while the negative attitude brings out a mirror image of discontent.
Age . . . body wise you are what you eat . . . what you do for exercise . . . and only you can adopt the attitude of creating a healthy body and mind. It is not easy as temptation waits at the refrigerator door or the pantry closet where the 'good' things reside. You have to remember you cannot bring home all of your favorite sugar treats and expect to hide them as you are the one who knows where all those places are and soon discover even frozen brownies are delicious.
Age . . . how lucky we are . . . we are able to 'age' . . . and we take our seconds seriously and we take good care of ourselves so that we do 'age to perfection' . . . so today, look in the mirror and if you see a beautiful smiling face it will be difficult to see a gray hair or a wrinkle . . . but, if you do, remember you earned every one of them. Remember to love yourself warts and all so you can love those who surround you. Hugs to all.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
A Night Musing
According to Maxine, one hundred sixty-two years ago, California had no electricity, the State had no money, almost every one spoke Spanish, gun fights in the streets . . . Basically nothing has changed except women had real boobs and men didn't hold hands . . . that is the history lesson for today.
Well now we have to think about this as Maxine has defined only one State and we have forty-nine more of them to consider. If we take them one at a time what would we find . . . more of the same in each State? Maybe they wouldn't have as much to 'brag' about; but it is time each Governor called his slate together and make a few checks and balances to bring about peaceful coexistence within. I would say the assault weapons have to go; they are for war and that should have to be banned also, as we send off our youngest men off to be killed or maimed for life,even though they carry one. It used to be for territory back in the olden days; then it was political for power; then it was not only political but endless as the years roll along and the war remains and the latest blurb on the information highway is a new ruling about not speaking ill of the Muslim attackers; strange and stranger as the years roll along. The longer we close our eyes and our minds to the ills which surround us, the more we have to fear.
Here at home we are having more and more of the 'events' that are killing our neighbors in their work place; or shopping; or little tiny tots in a classroom and teachers who tried to come to their aid . . . the beast is riding high and delights in the fact humans are turning into beasts and the company is great as they regale in drugs that alter the mind and acts that make them into dark and terrifying creatures of faceless humanity defining good as evil and evil as the way to go . . . go where? They manage to kill themselves and solve absolutely nothing . . . but leave behind sorrow, sadness and fear.
Today I lit twenty candles and I prayed in an empty church asking for faith . . . for hope . . . for help. Think of the families and the towns who are grieving tonight and all will grieve for a very long time to come. Losing a child is like losing a part of yourself and it never stops hurting.
Tomorrow is a new beginning let us hope that the tragedy shows us a way to behave one to another, starting in our own corner of the world. Sadness reigns. It is time to stand up for our beliefs. It is time. Hugs to all.
Well now we have to think about this as Maxine has defined only one State and we have forty-nine more of them to consider. If we take them one at a time what would we find . . . more of the same in each State? Maybe they wouldn't have as much to 'brag' about; but it is time each Governor called his slate together and make a few checks and balances to bring about peaceful coexistence within. I would say the assault weapons have to go; they are for war and that should have to be banned also, as we send off our youngest men off to be killed or maimed for life,even though they carry one. It used to be for territory back in the olden days; then it was political for power; then it was not only political but endless as the years roll along and the war remains and the latest blurb on the information highway is a new ruling about not speaking ill of the Muslim attackers; strange and stranger as the years roll along. The longer we close our eyes and our minds to the ills which surround us, the more we have to fear.
Here at home we are having more and more of the 'events' that are killing our neighbors in their work place; or shopping; or little tiny tots in a classroom and teachers who tried to come to their aid . . . the beast is riding high and delights in the fact humans are turning into beasts and the company is great as they regale in drugs that alter the mind and acts that make them into dark and terrifying creatures of faceless humanity defining good as evil and evil as the way to go . . . go where? They manage to kill themselves and solve absolutely nothing . . . but leave behind sorrow, sadness and fear.
Today I lit twenty candles and I prayed in an empty church asking for faith . . . for hope . . . for help. Think of the families and the towns who are grieving tonight and all will grieve for a very long time to come. Losing a child is like losing a part of yourself and it never stops hurting.
Tomorrow is a new beginning let us hope that the tragedy shows us a way to behave one to another, starting in our own corner of the world. Sadness reigns. It is time to stand up for our beliefs. It is time. Hugs to all.
Christmas cards
Friday, December 14, 2012
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Thursday, December 13, 2012
A Reminder
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Extended Family
Daughter Christine had a special day yesterday and we sang her happy birthday and had special flowers and cupcakes which was a real surprise. |
An interesting sign, words that have special meaning as each of us have people in our lives who become 'family' and we wouldn't want it any other way. Below are pictures of a few in my life. |
Jennifer another giver and one who has a deep and abiding faith which she shares in all of the good deeds she does each day, every day. She really is beautiful inside and out. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)